Free Catcher in the Rye Essays: Holdens Phony Phobia :: Catcher Rye Essays

Holdens Phony Phobia in The Catcher in the Rye What does phony mean to you? Do you consider it something that is not what it really seems? Or even something or someone that isnt normal in all ways or just in some? Phony is one of the words in the English literature that can have numerous interpretations. Can be being phony possibly hinder an attempt to accomplish a labour to fully function mentally? Can phony delay an individuals maturing period? In J.D. Salingers Catcher in the Rye, Holdens phony phobia restricts him from becoming a fully matured adult. In Holdens attempted journey in becoming a fully matured adult, he encounters many scenarios involving friendships, personal opinions, and his love of children. His journey is an hot and difficult one with many lessons learned along the way. Holden possesses abnormal alliances with some of the characters in Catcher in the Rye. Many of his friends and those he talks highly closely are young children. He does not make any negativ e comments about these companions, and there is no mention whatsoever of phony. Holden has a sacrosanct relationship with Phoebee, his younger sister. Holden vocalizes about the fact Phoebee can visit him any condemnation in the summer, What Id do, Id let old Phoebee came out and visit me in the summertime and on Christmas vacation and east wind vacation (205). Holden shows a solid liking to his sister and is always wanting her by his side. He finds a hard time associating with older, mature individuals. Also, a strong relationship with Allie his deceased younger brother, is apparent due to the twenty references in the novel. In fact, most of Holdens fondest memories are of those times with his younger siblings. His comments of innocence help manifest this connection. Someone who is trying to learn the stages of developing into a mature adult would not develop as soon, or as fully when spending their time solely with those who are five to seven years of age. They would not experie nce the guidance from older adults to correct wrong behavior. The guidance of an elder isnt present and they motive to learn by themselves. Harrison Smith has defined Holdens friendships quite clearly What was wrong with Holden was his moral revulsion against anything that was ugly, evil, cruel, or what he called phony and his acute responsiveness to beauty and innocence, oddly the innocence of the very young.